Cooktop with hinged grates

ABSTRACT

A cooking appliance includes a cooktop and a burner mounted on the cooktop. At least one coupling member is coupled to the cooktop. A grate, a griddle, or a reversible griddle is selectively coupled to the at least one coupling member and is operable between a raised position and a lowered position when the grate, the griddle, or the reversible griddle, is engaged with the coupling member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. PatentApplication Ser. No. 16/675,677, filed on Nov. 6, 2019, now U.S. Pat.No. 11,162,689, entitled “COOKTOP WITH HINGED GRATES”, the entiredisclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to a cooktop. More specificallyto a cooktop including grates hingedly supported over associatedburners.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a cooking applianceincludes a cooktop and a burner mounted on the cooktop. A couplingmember is coupled to the cooktop. A grate is selectively coupled to thecoupling member and operable between a raised position and a loweredposition when the grate is engaged with the coupling member.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a cooktopassembly includes a cooktop and a burner mounted on the cooktop. Acoupling member is coupled to the cooktop and includes a body that has afirst pin that extends from a first end of the body in a first directionand a second pin that extends from a second end of the body in the firstdirection. A grate includes a pivot member that selectively engages thecoupling member. The grate is operable between a raised position and alowered position when the pivot member is engaged with the couplingmember.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a cooktopassembly includes a cooktop and a coupling member coupled to thecooktop. The coupling member defines a cavity that has an abuttingsurface. A grate is rotatable between a raised position and a loweredposition. The grate includes a pivot member engageable with the couplingmember and that extends from a first end of the grate. The first endengages the abutting surface when the grate is in the raised position.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the presentdisclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilledin the art by reference to the following specification, claims, andappended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a cooktop with first and secondgrates in a lowered position, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a cooktop with a first grate in araised position and a second grate in a lowered position, according tothe present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a cooktop that has first and secondgrates and a griddle, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a cooktop with the griddle in araised position, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a first end of the griddle of FIG.4 ;

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of a cooktop with a griddle associatedwith a coupling member, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the griddle associated with thecoupling member of FIG. 6 taken along line VII-VII;

FIG. 8 is an additional cross-sectional view of the griddle associatedwith the coupling member of FIG. 6 taken along line VII-VII;

FIG. 9A is a top perspective view of a first surface of a reversiblehinged griddle, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 9B is a top perspective view of a second surface of the reversiblehinged griddle of FIG. 9A, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of a first end of a reversible hingedgriddle, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of a cooktop with a reversible hingedgriddle associated with a coupling member, according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the reversible hinged griddleassociated with the coupling member of FIG. 11 taken along line XII-XII;

FIG. 13 is an additional cross-sectional view of the reversible hingedgriddle and the coupling member of FIG. 11 taken along line XII-XII;

FIG. 14 is a partial front perspective view of a reversible hingedgriddle in a first side use position, according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of a cooktop with a reversible hingedgriddle and a second side use position, according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the reversible hinged griddle and acoupling member of FIG. 15 taken along line XVI-XVI;

FIG. 17 is an additional cross-sectional view of the reversible hingedgriddle and the coupling member of FIG. 15 taken along line XVI-XVI;

FIG. 18 is a partial front perspective view of a reversible hingedgriddle in a second side use position, according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of a cooktop with a first hinged gratein a raised position and a second grate in a lowered position, accordingto the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is a partial top perspective view of a cooktop with a grate in araised position, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a partial side perspective view of a grate disengaged from acoupling member on a cooktop, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a partial side perspective view of a grate associated with acoupling member of a cooktop, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the grate associated with thecoupling member of FIG. 22 taken along line XXIII-XXIII;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the grate with the coupling memberof FIG. 22 taken along line XXIII-XXIII;

FIG. 25 is a side perspective view of a coupling member for a cooktop,according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 26 is a partial side view of a pivot member of a grate positionedwithin a locking cutout of a coupling member for a cooktop, according tothe present disclosure;

FIG. 27 is a partial view of a grate with a pivot member associated acoupling member for a cooktop, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 28 is a partial view of a grate with a pivot member associated athe coupling member for a cooktop, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 29 is a front plan view of a cooktop where a first grate is in alowered position and a second grate is in a raised position, accordingto the present disclosure; and

FIG. 30 is a front view of pivot members of first and second gratesassociated with a coupling member for a cooktop, according to thepresent disclosure.

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasisinstead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations ofmethod steps and apparatus components related to a cooktop with hingedgrates. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have beenrepresented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings,showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understandingthe embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure thedisclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent likeelements.

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1 . Unlessstated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of theelement closer to an intended viewer, and the term “rear” shall refer tothe surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, itis to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternativeorientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It isalso to be understood that the specific devices and processesillustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the followingspecification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive conceptsdefined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and otherphysical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed hereinare not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly stateotherwise.

The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variationthereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that aprocess, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elementsdoes not include only those elements but may include other elements notexpressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, orapparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises a . . . ” does not,without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identicalelements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprisesthe element.

Referring to FIGS. 1-30 , reference numeral 10 generally refers to acooking appliance that has a cooktop 14. A burner 18 is mounted on thecooktop 14. A coupling member 22 is coupled to the cooktop 14. A grate26 is selectively coupled to the coupling member 22 and operable betweena raised position 30 and a lowered position 34 when the grate 26 isengaged with the coupling member 22.

In various examples, the cooking appliance 10 may be in the form of arange that includes the cooktop 14. The cooktop 14 may be disposed on anoven, both of which may be formed as a single unit. It is alsocontemplated that the cooking appliance 10 may also be in the form of astand-alone cooking hob or a similar configuration. It is furthercontemplated that the cooktop 14 may be disposed on another applianceand/or a countertop. The cooktop 14 may include the burner 18 which maybe one burner 18 a of a multi-burner arrangement. As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2 , the cooktop 14 includes a five-burner arrangement,including burners 18 a-18 e. As used herein, the various individualburners 18 a-18 e of the multi-burner arrangement may each be referredto using the general reference numeral 18, unless a specific one of theburners 18 a-18 e is discussed. The burner 18 may be of any type thatmay be used in connection with one of the grate 26 positioned over theburner 18 when in the lowered position 34. The grate 26 may support acooking article, such as a pan, a pot, or the like, above and/orspaced-apart from the burner 18 with which the cooking article is used.In general, the burner 18 may be a fuel-burning burner (e.g., those thatrely on the combustion of natural or propane gas for the generation ofheat). This may include various types of “hybrid” burners, which maygenerate heat by multiple means, including fuel-burning and/or electricheating.

The cooktop 14 may be similar to known structures for similar componentsof the cooking appliance 10 and may be of any structure that cansufficiently support the grate 26. As illustrated in FIG. 1 , thecooktop 14 includes a peripheral edge 38 and defines a centrally-locatedsump 42. The burner 18 may be mounted on the cooktop 14 within the sump42. In various examples, the coupling member 22 may be disposedproximate the peripheral edge 38 of the cooktop 14. In this way, thegrate 26 may be coupled to the coupling member 22 proximate theperipheral edge 38. When in the lowered position 34, the grate 26 may besupported by the cooktop 14 and may be spaced-apart from the surface ofthe cooktop 14 within the sump 42. As such, when the grate 26 is in thelowered position 34, the grate 26 may be spaced-apart from and disposedabove the burner 18. In various examples, the grate 26 may include oneor more standing features 44 extending therefrom. The standing features44 may rest upon the cooktop 14 proximate the peripheral edge 38 tosupport the grate 26 when the grate 26 is in the lowered position 34.Alternatively, the grate 26 may not include the standing features 44. Insuch examples, the frame 46 and/or the support members 50 may rest onthe cooktop 14.

According to various aspects, the cooktop 14 may be generally structuredto provide support and location for the burner 18 and to conceal variouslines and controls associated with the burner 18. The cooktop 14 may bea metal sheet stamped, drawn, or otherwise formed, into a desiredthree-dimensional shape. Such metal may be steel, stainless steel,aluminum, and/or other similar materials, and may be of a gauge highenough to provide structural stability without unnecessarily increasingweight or difficulty of the manufacture thereof.

With further reference to FIGS. 1-30 , various configurations of thegrate 26 and the coupling members 22 are illustrated. Each of thedifferent configurations may be used interchangeably, such that theconfigurations and arrangements of the cooktop 14 are non-limiting. Itwill be understood that other possible configurations may also be usedoutside those set forth in FIGS. 1-30 . It will also be understood thatlike reference numerals will be used for like features in each of thefigures.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , in various examples, the grate 26 mayinclude a first grate 26 a and a second grate 26 b. As used herein, thefirst and second grates 26 a, 26 b may each be referred to using thegeneral reference number 26, unless a specific one of the grates 26 a,26 b is referenced. The first and second grates 26 a, 26 b may beindependently operable between the raised and lowered positions 30, 34.As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first grate 26 a may alternatelycover and uncover the burners 18 a, 18 b and partially cover and uncoverthe burner 18 c. Additionally or alternatively, the second grate 26 bmay alternately cover and uncover the burners 18 d, 18 e, and maypartially cover and uncover the burner 18 c. The first and second grates26 a, 26 b may be configured to appear as a single continuous grate 26,such that any center “seam” is visually obscured to the user when boththe first and second grates 26 a, 26 b are in the lowered position 34.

The grate 26 may be selectively couplable the coupling member 22, suchthat the grate 26 may be removed and re-assembled to the cooktop 14 in asame and/or different position relative to the cooktop 14. In exampleswith the first grate 26 a and the second grate 26 b, each of the firstand second grates 26 a, 26 b may be coupled to the cooktop 14 by asingle coupling member 22, or by multiple coupling members 22. Inexamples with multiple coupling members 22, the coupling members 22 mayhave substantially similar, or alternatively, substantially differentconfigurations.

In various examples, the grate 26 may include the frame 46 and thesupport members 50. The support members 50 may be configured aslaterally extending and/or longitudinally extending beams relative tothe cooktop 14 that are spaced-apart from one another and defineopenings 54 therebetween. The cooking article may be supported by theframe 46 and/or the support members 50. According to various aspects, aflame from the burner 18 or its radiant heat with which the cookingarticle is associated may extend through the openings 54 to heat thecooking article. In additional or alternative configurations, the grate26 may include a centrally-disposed griddle portion 58. The griddleportion 58 may be configured as a substantially planar, continuoussurface heated by burners 18 a, 18 b, for example, from beneath. Thegriddle portion 58 may extend between front and rear portions of thegrate 26, or alternatively, between lateral side portions of the grate26. As exemplified by the first grate 26 a of FIGS. 1 and 2 , thegriddle portion 58 may be integrally defined with the grate 26. Invarious examples, the grate 26 that has the griddle portion 58 may alsoinclude the frame 46 and the support members 50. In examples with andwithout the griddle portion 58, the support members 50 of the grate 26may be of varying lengths in certain configurations. This may beadvantageous for providing a more uniform and/or continuous appearanceof the grate 26.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the coupling member 22 may bedisposed proximate a rear edge 62 of the cooktop 14. In thisconfiguration, the grate 26 may rotate about the coupling member 22,such that a user may rotate the grate 26 upwards and backward relativeto the cooktop 14 to rotate the grate 26 to the raised position 30. Inthis way, the user may rotate the grate 26 down and forward relative tothe cooktop 14 to rotate the grate 26 to the lowered position 34.However, it is also contemplated that the coupling member 22 may bedisposed elsewhere on the cooktop 14 without departing the teachingsherein. According to various aspects, the coupling member 22 may have avariety of configurations depending on the configuration of the grate 26and/or the location of the coupling member 22 on the cooktop 14.Additionally, other factors may contribute to the configuration of thecoupling member 22.

In various examples, the coupling member 22 includes a body 66 and firstand second supports 70, 74 extending generally vertically from the body66. In various examples, the body 66 may be disposed on the cooktop 14proximate the peripheral edge 38 and may extend between the first andsecond supports 70, 74. The grate 26 may couple with and may berotatably supported by the first and second supports 70, 74 to allowgrate 26 to rotate between the raised and lowered positions 30, 34. Whenthe grate 26 is in the raised position 30, the coupling member 22 may bevisible. This may be advantageous for improving the aesthetics of thecooktop 14. When the grate 26 is in the lowered position 34, thecoupling member 22 may be covered by the grate 26 and substantiallyobscured from view.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4 , an additional and/or alternativeconfiguration of the cooktop 14 is illustrated (with similar featuresindicated by similar numbers increased by 300). A cooktop 314 mayinclude first and second grates 326 a, 326 b. As illustrated, the firstgrate 326 a may be disposed over front left and rear left burners 318 a,318 b when in a lowered position 334. The second grate 326 b may bedisposed over the front right and rear right burners 318 d, 318 e whenin a lowered position 334. A griddle 378 may be disposed between thefirst and second grates 326 a, 326 b. A griddle 378, similar to thegrate 326, may be operable between raised and lowered positions 330,334. In this way, the griddle 378 may be disposed over the centralburner 318 c when in the lowered position 334. The grate 326 and thegriddle 378 may be independently operable between the raised and loweredpositions 330, 334 to alternately cover and uncover the burner 318. Thegrate 326 may extend between a rear edge 362 of the cooktop 314 and afront edge 382 of the cooktop 314. The griddle 378 may also extendbetween a rear edge 362 and a front edge 382. As illustrated in FIG. 3 ,the griddle 378 may extend from the rear edge 362 of the cooktop 314toward the front edge 382, while not extending the entire distance tothe front edge 382. In such examples, a control panel 386 having variouscontrols 390 may be disposed proximate the front edge 382 and/or betweenthe front edge 382 and the griddle 378. The controls 390 may beassociated with the burner 318 and may be configured to control theburner 318.

Referring still to FIGS. 3 and 4 , in various examples, the griddle 378may include a cooking surface 394. Similar to the griddle portion 58 ofFIG. 1 , the cooking surface 394 of the griddle 378 may be asubstantially planar, continuous surface. The cooking surface 394 maysupport the cooking article and/or may be configured to cook fooddirectly thereon. The griddle 378 may include a border portion 396extending around at least a portion of the cooking surface 394. Thisconfiguration may be advantageous from preventing food and/or liquidsfrom spilling off the griddle 378 onto the cooktop 314. When in thelowered position 334, a cooking surface 394 may be substantially flushwith the upper surfaces 374 of support members 350 of the grate 326.This configuration may be advantageous for providing a uniformappearance for the cooktop 314.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the griddle 378 is disposed betweenthe first and second grates 326 a, 326 b. However, other configurationsof the cooktop 314 are contemplated without departing from the teachingsherein. For example, the cooktop 314 may be configured to include thegrate 326 and the griddle 378 and/or the cooktop 314 may be configuredto include the first and second grates 326 a, 326 b and the griddle 378in a different configuration. It is contemplated that the grate 326 andthe griddle 378 may be in any practicable configuration on the cooktop314 and may be structured to be configured by the user.

Referring to FIG. 5 , a first end 398 of the griddle 378 is illustrated.The first end 398 of the griddle 378 may include first and second pivotmembers 402, 406. The first and second pivot members 402, 406 may belaterally spaced-apart from one another on the first end 398 of thegriddle 378. In this way, the first pivot member 402 may be disposedproximate a first side 410 and the second pivot member 406 may bedisposed proximate a second side 414 of the griddle 378. The griddle 378may include a rear wall 418 extending vertically from the cookingsurface 394. In such examples, the first and second pivot members 402,406 may extend from the rear wall 418. Additionally or alternatively,the first and second pivot members 402, 406 may extend from the cookingsurface 394. As illustrated in FIG. 5 , the first and second pivotmembers 402, 406 are configured as generally C-shaped receivers. Thefirst and second pivot members 402, 406 configured as C-shaped receiversmay each define a receiving slot 422 for accessing a receiving cavity426. In various examples, an inner face 430 of each of the first andsecond pivot members 402, 406 may be open to provide access for at leasta portion of the coupling member 322 to be inserted into each of thereceiving cavities 426.

The griddle 378 may include a retaining protrusion 434 (FIG. 5 )extending from the first end 398. In various examples, the retainingprotrusion 434 may be an elongated ridge extending at least partiallybetween the first and second pivot members 402, 406. The retainingprotrusion 434 may extend the entire distance between the first andsecond pivot members 402, 406, or alternatively, may extend a portion ofthe distance therebetween. Alternatively, the retaining protrusion 434may extend from the rear wall 418. The retaining protrusion 434 mayextend from the cooking surface 394 of the griddle 378. In variousexamples, the first and second pivot members 402, 406 and the retainingprotrusion 434 may be substantially horizontally aligned with oneanother along the rear wall 418. As discussed further below, theretaining protrusion 434 is configured to physically interact with thecoupling member 322.

Referring now to FIG. 6 , the first and second pivot members 402, 406may engage the coupling member 322. In various examples, the couplingmember 322 may include the body 366 and first and second pins 438, 442extending from the body 366. The first pin 438 may extend from a firstend 446 of the body 366 in a first direction and the second pin 442 mayextend from a second end 450 of the body 366 in a second opposingdirection. In this way, the first and second pins 438, 442 may extendoutwardly in opposing directions from the body 366 of the couplingmember 322.

The first and second pivot members 402, 406 of the griddle 378 mayengage the first and second pins 438, 442. In this configuration, thegriddle 378 may rotate between the raised and lowered positions 330, 334(FIG. 4 ). The first and second pins 438, 442 may be inserted into thereceiving cavities 426 (FIG. 5 ) of the first and second pivot members402, 406 via the receiving slots 422. Based on the location of thereceiving slots 422, the griddle 378 may be configured to engage anddisengage the coupling member 322 when in the raised position 330, thelowered position 334, and/or at a position therebetween. In this way,the receiving slots 422 receive the first and second pins 438, 442 ofthe coupling member 322 to selectively couple the griddle 378 to thecooktop 314. Stated differently, the griddle 378 may be selectivelyengaged with the first and second pins 438, 442, such that the griddle378 may be assembled to the cooktop 314, disassembled from the cooktop314, and/or positioned in different locations on the cooktop 314.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 , the body 366 may define acentrally-disposed cutout 454. The cutout 454 may be defined on an innersurface 458 of the body 366, facing toward the burner 318. The cutout454 may extend between the first and second pins 438, 442. The retainingprotrusion 434 on the griddle 378 may be disposed within the cutout 454of the body 366 of the coupling member 322. In various examples, thegriddle 378 may rotate between the raised and lowered positions 330,334, with minimal or no interference by the retaining protrusion 434. Asthe griddle 378 rotates between the raised and lowered positions 330,334, the retaining protrusion 434 rotates within the cutout 454 with thegriddle 378.

Referring to FIG. 7 , according to various aspects, the coupling member322 may include an abutting surface 462 within the cutout 454. When thegriddle 378 is in the lowered position 334, the retaining protrusion 434may extend substantially horizontally into the cutout 454. The retainingprotrusion 434 may be spaced-apart from the abutting surface 462 of thecoupling member 322. The retaining protrusion 434 may be substantiallylinear, or alternatively, may be curved or arcuate for engaging theabutting surface 462 when the griddle 378 in the raised position 330.Further, the configuration of the retaining protrusion 434 may providefor free rotation of the griddle 378, without interference from theretaining protrusion 434.

Referring to FIG. 8 , when the griddle 378 is in the raised position330, the retaining protrusion 434 may extend substantially verticallydownward from the rear wall 418 into the cutout 454. The retainingprotrusion 434 may engage and/or abut the abutting surface 462 of thebody 366 of the coupling member 322. The engagement between theretaining protrusion 434 and the abutting surface 462 may retain thegriddle 378 in the raised position 330. In this way, the retainingprotrusion 434 may prevent the griddle 378 from rotating beyond theraised position 330 and may prevent disengagement of the griddle 378from the cooktop 314. Stated differently, the griddle 378 may includethe retaining protrusion 434, which can engage the coupling member 322when the griddle 378 is in the raised position 330 to retain the griddle378 in the raised position 330.

Referring to FIGS. 3-8 , the cooktop 314 may include multiple couplingmembers 322. One coupling member 322 may be associated with the grate326 and an additional coupling member 322 may be associated with thegriddle 378. In this way, one coupling member 322 may selectively engageeach grate 326 and another coupling member 322 may selectively engagethe griddle 378. Based on the configuration of the cooktop 314, theposition of the grate 326 and the griddle 378 may be interchanged, suchthat each of the coupling members 322 included in the cooktop 314 mayselectively receive the grate 326 and the griddle 378, respectively.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A and 9B, an additional and/or alternativeconfiguration of a reversible griddle 678 and a cooktop 614 (FIGS. 10-18) are illustrated (with similar features indicated by similar numbersincreased by 300). The reversible griddle 678 may include a firstsurface 766 and a second surface 770 opposing the first surface 766. Invarious examples, the first and second surfaces 766, 770 of thereversible griddle 678 may both be configured as cooking surfaces forsupporting the cooking article and/or cooking food directly thereon.According to various aspects, the first surface 766 of the reversiblegriddle 678 may correspond to a griddle surface that is exposed when thereversible griddle 678 is in a first side use position 774 (FIG. 12 ).The first surface 766 may be a substantially planar continuous surface.The second surface 770 of the reversible griddle 678 may correspond to agrill surface that is exposed when the reversible griddle 678 is in asecond side use position 778 (FIG. 15 ). Additionally or alternatively,the first surface 766 may include a first border 782 extending above thegriddle surface for containing food and/or liquid thereon. The secondsurface 770 may include a second border 786 extending around at least aportion of the grill surface. The second surface 770 configured as thegrill surface may include a plurality of ribs 790 extending across thesecond surface 770. As illustrated in FIG. 9B, the plurality of ribs 790are arranged in a diagonal pattern, however, it is contemplated that anypracticable configuration of the plurality of ribs 790 may be used onthe second surface 770. The plurality of ribs 790 may extend above thesecond surface 770. In various examples, the plurality of ribs 790 andthe second border 786 may extend the same distance above the secondsurface 770. Alternatively, the plurality of ribs 790 and the secondborder 786 may extend different distances from the second surface 770.

Referring to FIG. 10 , a first end 792 of the reversible griddle 678 isillustrated. According to various aspects, the reversible griddle 678may include first and second pivot members 794, 796 extending from thefirst end 792. The first pivot member 794 may include a first upperpivot member 798 and a first lower pivot member 802 extending from thefirst end 792 of the reversible griddle 678. The second pivot member 796may include a second upper pivot member 806 and a second lower pivotmember 810 extending from the first end of the reversible griddle 678.The first upper and lower pivot members 798, 802 may be spaced-apartfrom the second upper and lower pivot members 806, 810 on the first end792 of the reversible griddle 678. Additionally or alternatively, thefirst upper and lower pivot members 798, 802 may be disposed proximate afirst side 814 of the reversible griddle 678. In such examples, thesecond upper and lower pivot members 806, 810 may be disposed proximatea second side 818 of the reversible griddle 678. In various examples,the first and second upper pivot members 798, 806 may be disposedproximate a first edge 822 of the reversible griddle 678. In variousexamples, the first edge 822 may be disposed adjacent to the firstsurface 766 (e.g., the griddle surface) (FIG. 9B) of the reversiblegriddle 678. In such examples, the first and second lower pivot members802, 810 may be disposed proximate a second edge 826 of the reversiblegriddle 678 and the second edge 826 may be disposed adjacent to thesecond surface 770 (e.g., the grill surface) of the reversible griddle678. However, based on the position of the reversible griddle 678 in thefirst side use position 774 (FIG. 12 ) or the second side use position778 (FIG. 15 ), the orientation of the first and second upper and lowerpivot members 798, 802, 806, 810 may be reversed. In this way, the firstand second upper pivot members 798, 806 may be disposed proximate thesecond surface 770 and the first and second lower pivot members 802, 810may be disposed proximate to the first surface 766.

As illustrated in FIG. 10 , the first and second upper pivot members798, 806 may extend beyond the first border 782 of the reversiblegriddle 678. Additionally or alternatively, the first and second lowerpivot members 802, 810 may extend beyond the second border 786 of thereversible griddle 678. This configuration may be advantageous forpreventing and/or minimizing interference of the various componentsdisposed proximate the first end 792 of the reversible griddle 678 asthe reversible griddle 678 rotates.

In various examples, the reversible griddle 678 may include a retainingprotrusion 830 (FIG. 9B) that extends between the first and second sides814, 818 of the first end 792 of the reversible griddle 678 to preventdisengagement of the reversible griddle 678. The reversible griddle 678may include at least one first edge-retaining protrusion 834 and atleast one second edge-retaining protrusion 838 disposed proximate thefirst and second edges 822, 826, respectively. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the reversible griddle 678 includes a single first edge-retainingprotrusion 834 generally vertically aligned between two secondedge-retaining protrusions 838. Stated differently, the two secondedge-retaining protrusions 838 may be spaced-apart from one another andthe first edge-retaining protrusion 834 may vertically aligned with thespace between the two second edge-retaining protrusions 838. Moreover,the first edge-retaining protrusion 834 and the second edge-retainingprotrusions 838 may be vertically offset from one another. In this way,the first edge-retaining protrusion 834 may be generally horizontallyaligned with the first and second upper pivot members 798, 806. Thesecond edge-retaining protrusions 838 may horizontally aligned with thefirst and second lower pivot members 802, 810. The first edge-retainingprotrusion 834 and the second edge-retaining protrusions 838 may extendthe same distance from the first end 792, or alternatively, may extenddifferent distances from the first end 792 of the reversible griddle 678to correspond with different respective upper positions associated withthe surfaces 766, 790.

Referring to FIG. 11 , the reversible griddle 678 may be selectivelycoupled with a coupling member 622. The first upper and lower pivotmembers 798, 802 and the second upper and lower pivot members 806, 810may each define receiving cavities 842 for selectively receiving thefirst and second pins 738, 742 of the coupling member 622. The couplingmember 622 may include a body 666 and the first and second pins 738, 742that extends outward in opposing directions therefrom. The body 666 maydefine the cutout 754, which may accommodate at least one of the firstedge-retaining protrusion 834 and the second edge-retaining protrusions838.

Referring to FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 11 , the reversible griddle 678 mayinclude tabs 846 that extends laterally outward from the first andsecond sides 814, 818 of the reversible griddle 678. The tabs 846 may bespaced-apart from the first end 792 and may be disposed proximate asecond end 850 of the reversible griddle 678. The tabs 846 may abutadjacent grates 626 and/or griddles 378 (FIG. 3 ) to minimize and/orprevent lateral movement of the grates 626 and/or griddles 378.

As illustrated in FIG. 11 , the reversible griddle 678 is positionablein a first side use position 774 with the first surface 766 exposed.When in the first side use position 774, the reversible griddle 678 mayengage the coupling member 622 to rotate between raised and loweredpositions 630, 634. The first and second pins 738, 742 of the couplingmember 622 may be disposed within the receiving cavities 842 of thefirst and second lower pivot members 802, 810. The second edge-retainingprotrusions 838 may extend into the cutout 754 of the coupling member622 and the first edge-retaining protrusion 834 may extend outward fromthe reversible griddle 678 above the coupling member 622.

Referring still to FIG. 11 , the first pivot member 794 may include thefirst upper and lower pivot members 798, 802 and the second pivot member796 may include the second upper and lower pivot members 806, 810. Eachof the first and second upper pivot members 798, 806 may be laterallyspaced-apart from the first and second lower pivot members 802, 810,respectively. Additionally, each of the first upper and lower pivotmembers 798, 802 and the second upper and lower pivot members 806, 810may be configured as substantially C-shaped cutouts within the first andsecond pivot members 794, 796, respectively. In this way, the firstpivot member 794 may define two receiving slots 862 for accessing thereceiving cavities 842 of the first upper and lower pivot members 798,802. Similarly, the second pivot member 796 may define two receivingslots 862 for providing access to the receiving cavities 842 of thesecond upper and lower pivot members 806, 810. The receiving slots 862may allow insertion of the first and second pins 738, 742 into theselected pivot members (e.g., the first and second upper pivot members798, 806 or the first and second lower pivot members 802, 810).

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13 , when the reversible griddle 678 is in thelowered position 634, and the first side use position 774 the secondedge-retaining protrusions 838 may extend into the cutout 754 of thecoupling member 622. The second edge-retaining protrusions 838 may bespaced-apart from the abutting surface 762 of the coupling member 622.As the reversible griddle 678 is rotated to the raised position 630, thesecond edge-retaining protrusions 838 rotate with the reversible griddle678 within the cutout 754. When the reversible griddle 678 is in thefully raised position 630, the second edge-retaining protrusions 838 mayengage the abutting surface 762. In this way, the second edge-retainingprotrusions 838 may prevent disengagement of the reversible griddle 678when the reversible griddle 678 is in the first side use position 774.During rotation of the reversible griddle 678, the first edge-retainingprotrusion 834 and the second edge-retaining protrusions 838 may remainspaced-apart from the coupling member 622, such that the first andsecond edge-retaining protrusions 834, 838 may not interfere with therotation of the reversible griddle 678.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14 , when in the raised position 630, thesecond edge-retaining protrusions 838 may engage the abutting surface762 within the cutout 754 of the coupling member 622. In thisconfiguration, the second edge-retaining protrusions 838 may retain thereversible griddle 678 in the raised position 630. When in the raisedposition 630, the reversible griddle 678 may be disposed at an anglegreater than 90° relative to a cooktop 614. This arrangement may beadvantageous for allowing a force of gravity to at least partiallyretain the reversible griddle 678 in the raised position 630.Additionally or alternatively, the second edge-retaining protrusions 838may prevent rotation of the reversible griddle 678 beyond the fullyraised position 630. As illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 , the firstedge-retaining protrusion 834 may be spaced-apart from the couplingmember 622 when the reversible griddle 678 is in the raised position 630and the first side use position 774. The first edge-retaining protrusion834 may extend from the first end 792 of the reversible griddle 678proximate the coupling member 622 on an opposing side relative to thecutout 754 when the reversible griddle 678 is in the raised position630. In this way, the first edge-retaining protrusion 834 may not engagethe coupling member 622 when the reversible griddle 678 is in the firstside use position 774.

Referring to FIG. 15 , the reversible griddle 678 is illustrated in asecond side use position 778 exposing the second surface 770 (e.g., thegrill surface). In this arrangement, the first and second upper pivotmembers 798, 806 may be disposed proximate the second surface 770 andthe first and second lower pivot members 802, 810 may be disposedproximate the first surface 766 (e.g., the griddle surface).Additionally or alternatively, the second edge retaining protrusions 838may extend between the first and second upper and lower pivot members798, 806 of the reversible griddle 678 when the reversible griddle 678in the second side use position 778. The first edge-retaining protrusion834 may extend between the first and second lower pivot members 802,810. When in the second side use position 778, the reversible griddle678 may engage the coupling member 622 to rotate between the raised andlowered positions 630, 634. The first and second pins 738, 742 of thecoupling member 622 may be disposed within receiving cavities 842 of thefirst and second lower pivot members 802, 810. The first edge-retainingprotrusion 834 may extend into the cutout 754 defined by the couplingmember 622 and the second edge-retaining protrusions 838 may extendoutward from the first end 792 of the reversible griddle 678 above thecoupling member 622. The reversible griddle 678 may operate in a similarmanner when in the first side use position 774 and the second side useposition 778.

Now referring to FIGS. 16 and 17 , when the reversible griddle 678 is inthe lowered position 634 the first edge-retaining protrusion 834 mayextend into the cutout 754 defined by the coupling member 622. The firstedge-retaining protrusion 834 may be spaced-apart from the abuttingsurface 762 within the cutout 754. As the reversible griddle 678 isrotated to the raised position 630, the first edge-retaining protrusion834 may rotate with the reversible griddle 678 within the cutout 754. Asthe reversible griddle 678, and correspondingly the first edge-retainingprotrusion 834, are rotated, the first edge-retaining protrusion 834 mayremain spaced-apart from the abutting surface 762 of the coupling member622.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18 , when in the raised position 630, thefirst edge-retaining protrusion 834 may engage the abutting surface 762within the cutout 754 of the coupling member 622. In this way, the firstedge-retaining protrusion 834 may retain the reversible griddle 678 inthe raised position 630. According to various aspects, the firstedge-retaining protrusion 834 may prevent rotation of the reversiblegriddle 678 beyond the fully raised position 630. The firstedge-retaining protrusion 834 may also prevent disengagement of thereversible griddle 678 when the reversible griddle 678 is in the secondside use position 778. When the reversible griddle 678 is in the raisedposition 630, the second edge-retaining protrusions 838 may bespaced-apart from the coupling member 622 proximate an opposing siderelative to the cutout 754. In this way, the second edge-retainingprotrusions 838 may not engage in the coupling member 622 when thereversible griddle 678 is in the second side use position 778.

As can be appreciated based on the above discussion with respect toFIGS. 9A-18 , the reversible griddle 678 may be configured as areversible griddle 678. In this way, the reversible griddle 678 may beused in both the first side use position 774 exposing the first surface766 and the second side use position 778 exposing the second surface770. The user may disengage the first and second pivot members 794, 796from the coupling member 622 and rotate the reversible griddle 678 toexpose the selected surface. The first and second pivot members 794,796, as well as, the first edge-retaining protrusion 834 and the secondedge-retaining protrusions 838, may allow the reversible griddle 678 tocouple to the coupling member 622 and rotate between the raised andlowered positions 630, 634, when in the first side use position 774 andthe second side use position 778. The configuration of the first end 792of the reversible griddle 678 may be advantageous for providing rotationof the reversible griddle 678 and preventing inadvertent disengagementof the reversible griddle 678 from the coupling member 622. It is alsocontemplated that the griddle 678 (FIG. 3 ) may be similarly configuredto the reversible griddle 678.

Referring now to FIG. 19 , an additional and/or alternative example of acooktop 914 is illustrated. The cooktop 914 may include first and secondgrates 926 a, 926 b independently rotatable between raised and loweredpositions 930, 934. One or both of the first and second grates 926 a,926 b may include a griddle portion 958 similar to that which isdiscussed above with respect to FIG. 2 . Alternatively, either or bothof the first and second grates 926 a, 926 b may not include the griddleportion 958 and may include support members 950 and a frame 946.According to various aspects, a coupling member 922 may be disposedproximate a side edge 1166 of the cooktop 914. The grate 926 may engagethe coupling member 922 and may rotate about the coupling member 922. Inthis way, the user may rotate the grate 926 upwards and out relative tothe cooktop 914 to rotate the grate 926 from the lowered position 934 tothe raised position 930 and downwards and in towards the loweredposition 934. The grate 926 may include support features 944 forsupporting the grate 926 on the cooktop 914 when in the lowered position934.

Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21 , the coupling member 922 may include abody 966 and first and second supports 970, 974 extending upwardtherefrom. In this way, a first pin 1038 may extend outward from thebody 966 and a second pin 1042 may extend over the body 966.Additionally or alternatively, the coupling member 922 may define aspace between the first and second supports 970, 974. Stateddifferently, the first and second supports 970, 974 extend verticallyupward from the body 966 and may be spaced-apart from one another. Thefirst pin 1038 may extend from the first support 970, and the second pin1042 may extend from the second support 974. In various examples, thefirst and second pins 1038, 1042 may both extend in the first direction.The first direction may be toward a front edge 982 (FIG. 19 ), toward arear edge 962, or toward the side edge 1166 of the cooktop 914 based onthe configuration of the cooktop 914 and the location of the couplingmember 922.

The grate 926 may include first and second pivot members 1094, 1096extending from the first end 1092 of the grate 926. Additionally oralternatively, the first and second pivot members 1094, 1096 may extendfrom a lower surface 1170 of the grate 926. The first and second pivotmembers 1094, 1096 may be configured as projections that define therespective receiving cavity 1142 therein. In this way, the first andsecond pivot members 1094, 1096 may not include receiving slots 1162.

Additionally or alternatively, the size and/or shape of the receivingcavities 1142 may substantially correspond with the size and/or shape ofthe first and second pins 1038, 1042. The first and second pins 1038,1042 may be configured to be received within the receiving cavities 1142of the first and second pivot members 1094, 1096 when the grate 926 isengaged with the coupling member 922. In various examples, the grate 926may be disposed such that the first and second pivot members 1094, 1096align with the first and second pins 1038, 1042. The grate 926 may beshifted in the second direction, which is the opposing directionrelative to the first and second pins 1038, 1042. In this way, the grate926 may be slidably engaged with the coupling member 922. Depending onthe configuration of the first and second pivot members 1094, 1096, thegrate 926 may be slidably engaged with the coupling member 922 to beassembled to the cooktop 914 when the grate 926 is in the raisedposition 930 (FIG. 19 ), the lowered position 934 (FIG. 19 ), and/or anypositioned therebetween. To disengage the grate 926 from the cooktop914, the grate 926 may be moved in the first direction to disengage thefirst and second pivot members 1094, 1096 from the first and second pins1038, 1042. The space defined between the first and second supports 970,974 may be advantageous for accommodating the sliding engagement betweenthe grate 926 and the coupling member 922.

Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22 , the first and second supports 970, 974may have a variety of configurations. As illustrated in FIG. 21 , thefirst and second supports 970, 974 may have substantially triangularcross-sectional shapes. An upper surface 1174 of each of the first andsecond supports 970, 974 may be substantially sloping to guide themovement of the grate 926 as the grate 926 rotates between the raisedand lowered positions 930, 934. As illustrated in FIG. 22 , the firstand second supports 970, 974 may include the sloping upper surface 1174and an abutting surface 1062 on an outer face thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 22-24 , the upper surfaces 1174 of the first andsecond supports 970, 974 may be sloped to assist in the rotation of thegrate 926 between the raised and lowered positions 930, 934. The grate926 may be slidably engaged with the upper surfaces 1174 while rotating.The abutting surface 1062 of the coupling member 922 may be included onan outer face of the coupling member 922. In various examples, the grate926 may include an engagement extension 1178 that extends outwardly fromat least one of the frame 946 and the support members 950. When thegrate 926 is in the lowered position 934, the engagement extension 1178may extend over the first and second supports 970, 974 and engages theupper surface 1174 of the first and second supports 970, 974. When thegrate 926 is in the raised position 930, the engagement extension 1178may abut and/or engage the abutting surface 1062 of the first and secondsupports 970, 974 of the coupling member 922. As the grate 926 rotatesbetween the raised and lowered positions 930, 934, the engagementextension 1178 may be slidably engaged with the upper surface 1174 andthe abutting surface 1062 to guide the rotation of the grate 926. Thecoupling member 922 may be positioned on the cooktop 914, such that thegrate 926 may be substantially vertically aligned with the peripheraledge 938 of the cooktop 914 when in the raised position 930. It iscontemplated that the interaction between the engagement extension 1178with the upper surface 1174 and the abutting surface 1062 may provide africtional interference to slow the rotation of the grate 926. It iscontemplated that the grate 926 may include the engagement extension1178 that engages one of the first and second supports 970, 974, oralternatively, both of the first and second supports 970, 974. Further,it is contemplated that the grate 926 may include more than oneengagement extension 1178.

Referring now to FIG. 25 , an additional and/or alternativeconfiguration of a coupling member 1222 and a cooktop 1214 (FIG. 26 )are illustrated. The coupling member 1222 may define a first lockingcutout 1482 proximate a first pin 1338 and a second locking cutout 1486proximate a second pin 1342. Stated differently, first and secondsupports 1270, 1274 of the coupling member 1222 may define the first andsecond locking cutouts 1482, 1486. The first and second locking cutouts1482, 1486 may define gaps between the first and second pins 1338, 1342and abutting surfaces 1362 within each of the first and second lockingcutouts 1482, 1486. According to various aspects, the first and secondlocking cutouts 1482, 1486 may have substantially similarconfigurations.

Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26 , the first and second locking cutouts1482, 1486 may be configured to receive a grate 1226 when the grate 1226is in a raised position 1230. In this way, the first and second lockingcutouts 1482, 1486 may be shaped and/or sized to accommodate a first andsecond pivot members 1394, 1396 of the grate 1226. The pivot members1394, 1396 may engage the first and second pins 1338, 1342 when thegrate 1226 is in the raised position 1230. The grate 1226 may be slid inthe second direction onto the first and second pins 1338, 1342. Whenmoved further in the second direction when in the raised position 1230,the grate 1226 may be slid into the space defined by the first andsecond locking cutouts 1482, 1486. An upper surface 1490 of the grate1226 may engage the abutting surfaces 1362 of the first and secondlocking cutouts 1482, 1486, to retain the grate 1226 in the raisedposition 1230. This configuration may also prevent the grate 1226 fromrotating beyond the raised position 1230. To rotate the grate 1226 tothe lowered position 1234, the grate 1226 may be slid in the firstdirection along the first and second pins 1338, 1342 to remove the grate1326 from the space defined by the first and second locking cutouts1482, 1486. The grate 1226 may then be rotated to the lowered position1234.

Referring to FIGS. 27 and 28 , a coupling member 1522 may include a body1566 defining a cavity 1794. The coupling member 1522 may have asubstantially square external shape in cross-section, and the cavity1794 may extend inwardly into the coupling member 1522 from a topsurface thereof. The cavity 1794 may have a substantially asymmetricalshape. According to various aspects, the coupling member 1522 may definethe cavity 1794 having a first outwardly angled side 1798 and a secondopposing outwardly angled side 1800. The first and second outwardlyangled sides 1798, 1800 may be connected via a rounded portion 1802. Therounded portion 1802 may be an extension of the first outwardly angledside 1798. The first outwardly angled side 1798 and the rounded portion1802 define an obliquely oriented portion of the cavity 1794 within thecoupling number 1522. The rounded portion 1802 may extend into thesecond opposing outwardly angled side 1800 to form an asymmetricalbell-shaped cavity 1794.

As illustrated in FIG. 27 , an additional and/or alternativeconfiguration of a cooktop 1514 is illustrated. A first pivot member1694 is configured as a rounded extension that extends from a first end1692 of the grate 1526. It is contemplated that the grate 1526 may notinclude a second pivot member 1696. Alternatively, the second pivotmember 1696 may be a substantially similar configuration as theillustrated first pivot member 1694. In examples without the secondpivot member 1696, the first pivot member 1694 may be centrally locatedon the first end 1692 of the grate 1526. Additionally or alternatively,the first pivot member 1694 may extend the same length as the first end1692 of the grate 1526. In examples with the second pivot member 1696,the first and second pivot members 1694, 1696 may be spaced-apart fromone another. In such examples, the coupling member 1522 may define asingle cavity 1794 or multiple cavities 1794 to accommodate the firstand second pivot members 1694, 1696. Additionally or alternativelystill, separate coupling members 1522 may engage the first and secondpivot members 1694, 1696.

Referring still to FIG. 27 , the first pivot member 1694 may extend fromthe grate 1526 in a manner such that the first pivot member 1694 may besubstantially flush with the upper surface 1790 of the grate 1526. Arounded end 1804 of the first pivot member 1694 may be disposedproximate the first outwardly angled side 1798 when the grate 1526 is inthe lowered position 1534. The first pivot member 1694 may include anabutting edge 1806 on an opposing side relative to the rounded end 1804.The abutting edge 1806 may rest upon the second outwardly angled side1800 when the grate 1526 is in the lowered position 1534.

Referring to FIGS. 27 and 28 , as the grate 1526 rotates between thelowered position 1534 and the raised position 1530, the rounded end 1804of the first pivot member 1694 may slidably engage the first outwardlyangled side 1798 within the cavity 1794. The rounded end 1804 mayslidably engage the first outwardly angled side 1798 and the roundedportion 1802 until a top surface 1808 of the first pivot member 1694rests against the first outwardly angled side 1798. In this way, thefirst outwardly angled side 1798 may be configured as the abuttingsurface 1662 within the cavity 1794. The cavity 1794 may retain thegrate 1526 in the raised position 1530 to prevent the grate 1526 fromrotating beyond the raised position 1530. The first outwardly angledside 1798 and the rounded portion 1802 may be configured tosubstantially mirror the size and/or shape of the first pivot member1694 to provide a close fit with the first pivot member 1694. To rotatethe grate 1526 back to the lowered position 1534, the rounded end 1804may slidably engage the rounded portion 1802 and the first outwardlyangled side 1798 until the abutting edge 1806 rests upon the secondoutwardly angled side 1800. The second pivot member 1696 may besimilarly configured.

Referring now to FIG. 29 , an additional or alternative configuration ofa cooktop 1814 is illustrated. The cooktop 1814 may include first andsecond grates 1826 a, 1826 b configured to be independently operablebetween raised and lowered positions 1830, 1834. The coupling member 22may be centrally located on the cooktop 1814. Each of the first andsecond grates 1826 a, 1826 b may engage a coupling member 1822 to rotatebetween the raised and lowered positions 1830, 1834. The grates 1826 a,1826 b may be rotated to the raised position 1830 by the user moving thefirst and second grates 1826 a, 1826 b upward and out relative to thecooktop 1814. In this way, when the first grate 1826 a is in the raisedposition 1830, the first grate 1826 a may rest upon a first end 1992 ofthe second grate 1826 b, which may be in the lowered position 1834.Similarly, when the second grate 1826 b is in the raised position 1830,the second grate 1826 b may rest upon the first end 1992 of the firstgrate 1826 a. Stated differently, one of the grates 1826 a, 1826 b maybe rotated and the other end of the first and second grates 1826 a, 1826b may operate as a retaining feature to retain one of the first andsecond grates 1826 a, 1826 b in the raised position 1830 and preventdisengagement from the cooktop 1814.

Referring to FIGS. 29 and 30 , the coupling member 1822 may include abody 1866 defining a first cavity 2122 on a first side 2126 and a secondcavity 2130 and a second side 2134. The first grate 1826 a may include afirst pivot member 1994 rotatably engaging the first cavity 2122 and thesecond grate 1826 b may include the first pivot member 1994 rotatablyengage with the second cavity 2130. In this way, the coupling member1822 may support the first and second grates 1826 a, 1826 b and anadditional coupling member 1822 may engage the second pivot members 1996of the first and second grates 1826 a, 1826 b within first and secondcavities 2122, 2130. Each of the first and second cavities 2122, 2130may include an abutting surface 1962. As illustrated in FIG. 30 , thefirst pivot member 1994 is configured as a pin extending outward fromproximate the first end 1992 of each of the first and second grates 1826a, 1826 b. The second pivot members 1996 may be similarly configured.The first pivot member 1994 may be received within the U-shaped firstand second cavities 2122, 2130. The first pivot members 1994 may rotatewithin the first and second cavities 2122, 2130 as the grates 1826 a,1826 b rotate between the raised and lowered positions 1830, 1834. Thefirst pivot members 1994 and/or the first ends 1992 of the first andsecond grates 1826 a, 1826 b may engage the abutting surfaces 1962, whenthe first and second grates 1826 a, 1826 b are in the raised position1830.

For each of the constructions and configurations shown in FIGS. 1-30 ,it will be understood that the various configurations can be applieddepending on the application of the cooktop 14. In various examples, thegrate 26 and the griddle 378 may be interchangeably coupled to thecoupling members 22 disposed on the cooktop 14. In this way, the usermay arrange the cooktop 14 based on specific preferences, applications,etc. Each of the grates 26 and the griddles 378 disclosed herein may beused on the same cooktop 14, such that the user may interchange thegrates 26 and the griddles 378. Moreover, more than one configuration ofthe coupling member 22 may be included on the cooktop 14 to increase theinterchangeability of the cooktop 14 arrangement. It is alsocontemplated that any of the grates 26 and the griddles 378 disclosedherein may include any configuration of the first and second pivotmembers 194, 196 and may be associated with any configuration of thecoupling member 22. Further, it is contemplated that the configurationsof the grates 26 and the griddles 378 may be interchanged. For example,any reference to the grate 26 may also be applied to the griddle 378,and any reference to the griddle 378 may also be applied to the grate26.

Use of the presently disclosed device may provide a variety ofadvantages. For example, the various configurations of the grate 26 andthe griddle 378 may provide for various arrangements of the cooktop 14.Moreover, the user may arrange the cooktop 14 in a variety ofarrangements as the grate 26 and/or the griddle 378 are selectivelyand/or interchangeably associated with the coupling member 22. Further,the cooktop 14 may include more than one configuration of the couplingmember 22. In this way, the user may have increased options for theconfiguration of the cooktop 14. Additionally, the grate 26, the grate26 with the griddle portion 58, and/or the griddle 78 may provideincreased applications of the cooktop 14 for the user. Additionalbenefits or advantages of using this device may also be realized and/orachieved.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a cooking applianceincludes a cooktop and a burner mounted on the cooktop. At least onecoupling member is coupled to the cooktop. A grate is selectivelycoupled to the at least one coupling member and is operable between araised position and a lower position when the grate is engaged with theat least one coupling member.

According to another aspect, a cooktop includes a griddle. At least onecoupling member includes a first coupling member selectively engaging agrate and a second coupling member selectively engage with the griddle.

According to yet another aspect, each of first and second couplingmembers includes a first pin and a second pin. A griddle includes afirst pivot member and a second pivot member rotatably engaging thefirst and second pins. A grate includes a first pivot member and asecond member rotatably engaging the first and second pins.

According to still another aspect, a grate includes a centrally-disposedgriddle portion.

According to another aspect, a griddle includes first upper and lowerpivot members on a first end and second upper and lower pivot members onthe first and spaced-apart from the first upper and lower pivot members.

According to yet another aspect, first upper and lower pivot members andsecond upper and lower pivot members are configured to selectivelyengage at least one coupling member and a first side use position and asecond side use position, respectively.

According to another aspect, a first surface of a griddle corresponds toa griddle surface that is exposed when the griddle is in a first sideuse position. A second surface of the griddle corresponds to a grillsurface that is exposed when the griddle is in a second side useposition.

According to yet another aspect, a griddle includes at least one firstretaining protrusion that extends from a first edge of a first end ofthe griddle. At least one second edge-retaining protrusion extends froma second edge of the first end.

According to another aspect, at least one first retaining protrusionengages at least one coupling member to prevent disengagement of agriddle when the griddle is in a first side use position. At least onesecond edge-retaining protrusion engages the at least one couplingmember to prevent disengagement of the griddle when the griddle is in asecond side use position.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a cooktop assemblyincludes a cooktop and a burner mounted on the cooktop. A couplingmember is coupled to the cooktop and includes a body that has a firstpin that extends from a first end of the body in a first direction and asecond pin that extends from a second end of the body in the firstdirection. A grate includes a pivot member that selectively engages thecoupling member. The grate is operable between a raised position and alower position when the pivot member are engaged with the couplingmember.

According to another aspect, a pivot member configured as a projectiondefines a receiving cavity and is slidably engageable with at least oneof first and second pins along a second direction opposite a firstdirection.

According to still another aspect, a coupling member defines a firstlocking cutout proximate a first pin and a second locking cutoutproximate a second pin. An upper surface of the grate engages anabutting surface of each of the first and second locking cutouts toretain the grate in a raised position.

According to another aspect, a body of a coupling member defines acutout that has an abutting surface. A grate includes a retainingprotrusion that engages the abutting surface when the grate is in araised position.

According to yet another aspect, a cooktop assembly includes a griddlethat includes a pivot member. The pivot member is a C-shaped receiverthat selectively engages at least one of first and second pins of acoupling member.

According to another aspect, a griddle is operable between a raisedposition and the lowered position. The griddle includes a retainingprotrusion that engages a coupling member when the griddle is in theraised position.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a cooktop assemblyincludes a cooktop and a coupling member coupled to the cooktop. Thecoupling member defines at least one cavity that has an abuttingsurface. At least one grate is rotatable between a raised position and alowered position. The at least one grate includes a pivot memberengageable with the coupling member and that extends from a first end ofthe at least one grate. The first end engages the abutting surface whenthe grate is in the raised position.

According to yet another aspect, at least one grate includes a firstgrate and a second grate. At least one cavity includes a first cavity ona first side of the coupling member rotatably engaging a pivot member ofthe first grate and a second cavity on a second side of the couplingmember rotatably engaging a pivot member of the second grate.

According to still another aspect, a coupling member is centrallylocated on a cooktop.

According to another aspect, a coupling member has a first outwardlyangled side and a second opposing outwardly angled side defining atleast one cavity. A pivot member slidably engages the first outwardlyangled side when rotating between a raised position and a loweredposition.

According to yet another aspect, a pivot member includes an abuttingedge that engages a second opposing outwardly angled side when at leastone grate is in a lowered position.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art thatconstruction of the described disclosure and other components is notlimited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of thedisclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety ofmaterials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of itsforms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical ormechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the twocomponents. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removableor releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments isillustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the presentinnovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, theoperation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, thelength or width of the structures and/or members or connector or otherelements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustmentpositions provided between the elements may be varied. It should benoted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may beconstructed from any of a wide variety of materials that providesufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors,textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired andother exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of thepresent innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps withindescribed processes may be combined with other disclosed processes orsteps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. Theexemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrativepurposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cooking appliance, comprising: a cooktop; a burner mounted on the cooktop; a coupling member coupled to a top surface of the cooktop, the coupling member having; a body defining a cutout with an abutting surface on an inner side of the coupling member; and first and second pins extending in opposing directions from opposing sides of the body, wherein the cutout is defined between the first and second pins; and a griddle selectively coupled to the coupling member and operable between a raised position and a lowered position when the griddle is engaged with the coupling member, the griddle including: first and second receiving members extending from a coupling edge of the griddle to engage the first and second pins; and an elongated retaining protrusion that extends along the coupling edge between the first and second receiving members, wherein the elongated retaining protrusion is configured to rotate in a space defined by the cutout to abut the abutting surface within the cutout of the coupling member to retain the griddle in the raised position, the abutting surface being oriented toward the cooktop.
 2. The cooking appliance of claim 1, further comprising: a second coupling member having first and second pins; and a grate selectively engaging the first and second pins of the second coupling member.
 3. The cooking appliance of claim 2, wherein the grate includes a centrally-disposed griddle portion.
 4. The cooking appliance of claim 3, wherein the grate includes support members disposed on at least one side of the centrally-disposed griddle portion.
 5. The cooking appliance of claim 2, wherein the first and second pins of the second coupling member extend in a same direction to slidably receive pivot members of the grate.
 6. The cooking appliance of claim 1, wherein the elongated retaining protrusion, the first receiving member, and the second receiving member are disposed along the coupling edge of a first end of the griddle with the elongated retaining protrusion centrally located between the first and second receiving members.
 7. The cooking appliance of claim 1, wherein the griddle further comprises: a raised border portion extending at least partially around a cooking surface.
 8. A cooktop assembly, comprising: a cooktop; a coupling member coupled to an edge of the cooktop, the coupling member having a cutout with an abutting surface defined between a first pin and a second pin, the abutting surface being oriented toward the cooktop; and a griddle including: a rear wall extending between first and second cooking surfaces; a first pivot protrusion extending from the rear wall and defining first and second pivot members aligned with one another; a second pivot protrusion extending from the rear wall and defining third and fourth pivot members, the third and fourth pivot members aligned with one another and with the first and second pivot members, wherein the first and third pivot members are engaged with the first and second pins when the griddle is in a first side use state and the second and fourth pivot members are engaged with the first and second pins when the griddle is in a second side use state; a first edge retaining protrusion extending from the rear wall proximate to the first cooking surface and between the first and third pivot members, the first retaining protrusion configured to engage the abutting surface to retain the griddle in a raised position when the griddle is in the first side use state; and at least one second edge retaining protrusion extending from the rear wall proximate to the second cooking surface and between the second and fourth pivot members, the at least one second edge retaining protrusion configured to engage the abutting surface to retain the griddle in the raised position when the griddle is in the second side use state.
 9. The cooktop assembly of claim 8, wherein the griddle includes laterally extending tabs that extend from side edges of the griddle and are configured to abut at least one of an adjacent griddle and an adjacent grate.
 10. The cooktop assembly of claim 8, wherein the first and second pivot members are disposed on a first side of the rear wall of the griddle and the third and fourth pivot members are disposed on a -second side of the rear wall of the griddle.
 11. The cooktop assembly of claim 8, wherein the at least one second edge retaining protrusion includes two second edge retaining protrusions disposed on the rear wall of the griddle.
 12. The cooktop assembly of claim 11, wherein the first edge retaining protrusion is centrally located between the two second edge retaining protrusions.
 13. The cooktop of claim 8, wherein the first cooking surface of the griddle is a planar griddle surface exposed when the griddle is in the first side use position and the second cooking surface of the griddle is a grill surface exposed when the griddle is in the second side use position. 